Trump Endorses Ciattarelli in New Jersey Governor's Race Despite Past Criticisms

The race for New Jersey's next governor is intensifying as former President Donald Trump throws his weight behind Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli. In a recent virtual rally, Trump praised Ciattarelli's experience and policy positions, including his commitment to capping property taxes and tackling illegal immigration. This endorsement comes as New Jersey gears up for its primary elections, setting the stage for a potentially transformative gubernatorial contest.

The New Jersey gubernatorial election is garnering national attention as a key indicator of political momentum heading into the 2026 midterm elections. With current Democratic Governor Philip Murphy term-limited, both parties are vying for control of the state's top office. While New Jersey traditionally leans Democratic, the upcoming election is anticipated to be highly competitive.

The primary race has already seen record-breaking campaign spending, reflecting the high stakes involved. Both Republican and Democratic candidates are vying for their party's nomination, with Ciattarelli emerging as a leading contender on the Republican side.

Trump's endorsement of Ciattarelli is particularly noteworthy given Ciattarelli's past criticisms of the former president. Despite these prior disagreements, Trump has expressed confidence in Ciattarelli's ability to lead New Jersey. This endorsement has stirred controversy within the Republican party, with some candidates questioning Ciattarelli's loyalty to Trump and his "America First" agenda.

The Democratic primary is also shaping up to be a closely contested race. Representative Mikie Sherrill is considered a frontrunner, but she faces competition from other prominent Democrats, including Representative Josh Gottheimer and several high-profile mayors.

In his endorsement, Trump focused on contrasting Ciattarelli with the Democratic candidates, emphasizing the need to lower taxes and address crime. He positioned Ciattarelli as a leader who would stand up against government overreach and corruption.

Ciattarelli, in turn, expressed his gratitude for Trump's support and pledged to work with him to ensure the safety and security of New Jersey. He highlighted his commitment to ending sanctuary cities and strengthening immigration enforcement.

Recent polling data indicates that both the Republican and Democratic primaries are highly competitive. The outcome of these primaries will determine the candidates who will face off in the general election, which is expected to be a closely watched battleground.

New Jersey has a history of switching between Republican and Democratic governors, highlighting the state's political volatility. The upcoming gubernatorial election could provide valuable insights into the political landscape and the direction of the country as a whole.